When drilling into concrete, brick, or masonry, a regular drill simply won’t cut it. That’s where a hammer drill comes in—and Milwaukee makes some of the best. Known for their M18 FUEL™ and M12 FUEL™ cordless platforms, Milwaukee hammer drills are powerful, durable, and trusted by professionals worldwide. In this guide, we’ll cover detailed Milwaukee hammer drill reviews, explain key features, and help you choose the right one for your job.
Quick Picks: Best Milwaukee Hammer Drills
- Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 1/2″ Hammer Drill – The most popular and versatile hammer drill in the lineup.
- Best Compact: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2504-20 1/2″ Hammer Drill – Lightweight and perfect for tight spaces.
- Best Heavy-Duty: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Gen 4 Hammer Drill – Maximum power for the toughest concrete and masonry jobs.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Milwaukee Hammer Drill
Not all hammer drills are the same. Here are the most important factors to consider:
- Voltage: M12 models are compact and lightweight, while M18 models deliver maximum power for pros.
- Motor: Brushless FUEL™ models provide better runtime, durability, and performance.
- Torque & Speed: High torque and RPM help cut through dense concrete faster.
- Clutch Settings: More clutch options give you precision for different materials.
- Comfort: Ergonomic grip, compact design, and side handles improve control during heavy drilling.
- Battery Compatibility: M18 and M12 REDLITHIUM™ batteries work across hundreds of other Milwaukee tools.
Detailed Milwaukee Hammer Drill Reviews
1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2804-20 1/2″ Hammer Drill
Who It’s For: Professionals and serious DIYers looking for a versatile, all-around hammer drill.
- 1,200 in-lbs of torque
- Compact at 6.9″ length
- Brushless POWERSTATE™ motor
Pros: Compact yet powerful, excellent battery life, all-purpose use.
Cons: Doesn’t include side handle in bare-tool option.
Final Verdict: The best overall Milwaukee hammer drill for most users. Check Price
2. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2504-20 1/2″ Hammer Drill
Who It’s For: Homeowners and pros who need a compact tool for light-duty masonry work.
- 350 in-lbs of torque
- Lightweight, only 2.8 lbs with battery
- Brushless motor with REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence
Pros: Extremely portable, easy to maneuver, affordable.
Cons: Not powerful enough for thick reinforced concrete.
Final Verdict: The best compact Milwaukee hammer drill. View on Amazon
3. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Gen 4 Hammer Drill
Who It’s For: Professionals tackling the heaviest drilling tasks daily.
- 1,400 in-lbs of torque – Milwaukee’s most powerful hammer drill
- Advanced AutoStop™ kickback control
- All-metal ratcheting chuck for durability
Pros: Industry-leading torque, safety features, built for pros.
Cons: Bulkier and more expensive than other models.
Final Verdict: The best heavy-duty Milwaukee hammer drill for contractors. Check Price
4. Milwaukee M18 2607-20 Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver
Who It’s For: Budget-minded buyers who still want Milwaukee quality.
- 500 in-lbs of torque
- Two-speed gearbox (0-450 / 0-1,800 RPM)
- Compact 7.75″ length
Pros: Affordable, reliable, lightweight.
Cons: Brushed motor, less runtime compared to FUEL brushless models.
Final Verdict: A solid entry-level Milwaukee hammer drill option. See Price
5. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2806-20 One-Key Hammer Drill
Who It’s For: Professionals who want advanced digital tool tracking and customization.
- 1,200 in-lbs of torque
- Bluetooth tool tracking with Milwaukee ONE-KEY™
- Brushless POWERSTATE™ motor
Pros: Connected tool technology, customizable performance settings.
Cons: More expensive than standard 2804-20.
Final Verdict: The smartest Milwaukee hammer drill with connected features. Check Price
Comparison Table: Milwaukee Hammer Drills
| Model | Torque | Length | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M18 FUEL 2804-20 | 1,200 in-lbs | 6.9″ | All-around use | View Price |
| M12 FUEL 2504-20 | 350 in-lbs | 6.6″ | Compact/light use | Check Price |
| M18 FUEL 2904-20 | 1,400 in-lbs | 7.6″ | Heavy-duty jobs | See Price |
| M18 2607-20 | 500 in-lbs | 7.75″ | Budget users | View Price |
| M18 FUEL 2806-20 One-Key | 1,200 in-lbs | 7″ | Smart tool users | Check Price |
FAQ
What’s the difference between a drill/driver and a hammer drill?
A drill/driver handles standard drilling and fastening, while a hammer drill adds a pounding action for drilling into masonry.
Are Milwaukee hammer drills brushless?
Yes, most FUEL models are brushless, offering better efficiency, runtime, and durability. Entry-level models may use brushed motors.
Can Milwaukee hammer drills replace corded models?
Yes, M18 FUEL models provide power comparable to corded hammer drills, making them suitable for heavy-duty professional work.
Are M18 and M12 batteries interchangeable?
No. M18 tools require M18 batteries, while M12 tools use M12 batteries. Both platforms are extensive and reliable.
Which Milwaukee hammer drill is best for homeowners?
The M12 FUEL 2504-20 is lightweight, affordable, and perfect for homeowners who occasionally need masonry drilling.
Conclusion
Based on these Milwaukee hammer drill reviews, the right choice depends on your needs. The M18 FUEL 2804-20 is the best all-around option, offering compact power for most users. For heavy-duty pros, the M18 FUEL 2904-20 delivers unmatched torque and safety features. And for homeowners or those working in tight spaces, the M12 FUEL 2504-20 is the most compact and affordable choice. No matter which you choose, Milwaukee hammer drills deliver industry-leading performance and reliability.
Shop Milwaukee hammer drills today and get the power you need for tough jobs.